The Big Story

Tesla is in a tailspin. Sales are dropping and the stock has been cut in half since December, blamed on Elon Musk's involvement with DOGE in the U.S. There have been incidents of vandalism against Tesla dealerships and on top of that, the automaker is facing ramped up competition from a Chinese company that's dramatically decreased charging time. Host Mike Eppel talks to Seth Goldstein, Equity Strategist at Morningstar Research Services, who covers Tesla and many other brands in the auto sector. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Getting concert tickets is harder than it used to be – and it means many Canadians have been shut out or forced to pay much higher prices with a reseller.Is this ever going to change? What needs to happen?Host Kris McCusker took those questions to Dan Wall of Live Nation Inc., which merged with Ticketmaster in 2010.It is Wall’s first an in-depth feature interview on the subject since he joined the company in 2023.He describes a complicated landscape – but says there are some options – while a court case in the U.S is scheduled to proceed. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Live TV is often unpredictable, but at least the team behind the scenes is ready. However, this week, the ultimate surprise was pulled off — morning show legend, Dina Pugliese, shocked everyone by announcing her return to Breakfast Television, two years after stepping away from the spotlight.Host Melanie Ng speaks with her long-time colleague and friend, Dina, tackling topics she’s never talked about before. From burnout to family health, social media criticism to what makes her tick, nothing is off the table. This episode is a rollercoaster of emotions - with laughter and tears within the first few minutes. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Prime Minister Mark Carney is almost through his first week of Prime Minister. So, how's it going? He's already completed an international trip, had some interesting dealings with the media and is expected to call an election as soon as this weekend. Host Cormac Mac Sweeney is rating the first week with Barry McLoughlin, President, TLC Transformational Leadership Consultants Inc. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Is Doug Ford Canada's most unlikely diplomat? Doug Ford travelled to Washington last week to talk tariffs, after threatening to impose tariffs on energy or even turn off power to 3 U.S. states. Although the temperature has been dialed down, Queen's Park reporter Richard Southern talks to pollster John Wright about Ford's actions last week and how this all ties in to the upcoming federal election. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Imagine being so famous that there are university courses studying your every move!Taylor Swift will be the subject of course being taught at Brock University this spring – by Associate Professor of history Elizabeth Vlossak.Host Kris McCusker examines how the course was created – what it’s all about – and why it’s more relevant than you might think. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Spring is usually the hottest time of year for car sales.But with Trump’s tariffs affecting aluminum, steel and auto parts, this year could be different.If tariffs on cars come into force on April 2nd as scheduled, there are fears it could upend the automotive supply chain.Host David Smith speaks with automotive specialist Tim Dimopoulos, publisher of Automotive News Canada, about what it all means for Canadian consumers. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Trying to run a business in this economy is anything but easy. Uncertainty, unease and pressure from so many different factors are creating a very difficult situation for Canadian operators. Host Mike Eppel speaks with Mike Tzimas, president of the Napoleon Group of Companies about the current situation, the impact on tariffs, and how difficult it is to be a Canadian business operator in this climate. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

For a longer weekend listen, we're going back in the archives from November to talk about an issue that's back in the headlines - NATO, and the U.S. concerns that Canada is not paying its fair share. Host David Smith talks to Richard Shimooka, a defence policy expert and a senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Punctuality – its definition and importance really depend on who you speak to. A recent study out of the UK shows a generational divide when it comes to tardiness and how it could be perceived by those around us. Host Melanie Ng speaks with peak performance coach and best-selling author, Hina Khan @coachwithhina, about a number of scenarios and why there is a sweet spot when it comes to how you show up both professionally and socially. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

U.S. President Donald Trump has taken the next step in its tariff battle with the world, placing a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum products from Canada and all other countries.There was even a brief scare that the U.S. would double the tariff on Canada, before cooler heads prevailedBut what impact will these tariffs have on the industry? Are the federal government counter measures enough, and what more do the feds need to do to support businesses and workers who will be hit hard by this move?Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Catherine Cobden, President and CEO of the Canadian Steel Producers Association to get her thoughts. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

We're going to have a new Prime Minister this week, with no shortage of issues for Mark Carney to face. After Carney won a decisive victory in the Liberal Party leadership race on the weekend, it's expected he will be calling a federal election shortly. What will be the keys to success for the renewed Liberal Party as it faces off against Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives?Host David Smith speaks with liberal strategist Nick McRoberts from Hill & Knowlton about the path ahead in this new era of Canadian politics. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

It was 5 years ago today the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic because of the novel coronavirus.It marked the start of a very different way of life, disrupting almost every part of our society, including our concept of time. What have we learned from that fateful day 5 years ago, and what has been the impact on society and on public health? Host Gurdeep Ahluwalia speaks with Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Isaac Bogoch, @BogochIsaac, about his recollections and thoughts on how we changed as a society because of Covid-19. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

After nine years in power, Justin Trudeau’s time as Prime Minister is over. Mark Carney was voted Liberal leader Sunday, in what was a landslide victory. As one of Canada’s longest serving Prime Ministers, Trudeau’s time in office was marked by major global events, policy changes, and a fair share of political scandals.How will Canadians remember Justin Trudeau?Host David Smith speaks with Jon Roe, Research Associate with the Angus Reid Institute, about the latest public opinion research on Trudeau’s legacy, a day after the new Liberal leader was named. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

It's been another week of uncertainty for the financial markets. With back and forth announcements on tariffs happening this week, it's been next to impossible to gauge what will happen next.Host Mike Eppel is trying to make sense of it with Avery Shenfeld, Chief Economist at C-I-B-C. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Check in with today’s amazing guest Dr Andrea Love:Instagram: @dr.andrealoveX: @dr_andrealoveWebsite: www.immunologic.orgReferences:https://www.npr.org/2021/05/13/996570855/disinformation-dozen-test-facebooks-twitters-ability-to-curb-vaccine-hoaxeshttps://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2024/11/15/rfk-jr-views-conspiracies-false-claims/https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2275444https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa021134https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/03/health/rfk-jr-fluoride-science/index.htmlhttps://www.cnn.com/2023/07/13/politics/robert-kennedy-jr-chemicals-water-children-frogs/index.htmlhttps://archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/media/releases/2012/p0221_raw_milk_outbreak.htmlhttps://www.pgpf.org/article/how-does-the-us-healthcare-system-compare-to-other-countries/https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhis/earlyrelease/insur202305_1.pdfhttps://nchstats.com/million-americans-are-still-uninsured/https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illnesshttps://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statisticshttps://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2020/may/mental-health-conditions-substance-use-comparing-us-other-countrieshttps://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/27/1-in-8-us-households-struggle-with-hunger-food-insecurity-usda.htmlhttps://apps.urban.org/features/wealth-inequality-charts/https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2020/01/09/trends-in-income-and-wealth-inequality/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4866586/https://aflcio.org/what-unions-do/social-economic-justice/minimum-wage from this report https://www.cbo.gov/publication/55410https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7144438/https://ergobaby.com/blog/post/paid-family-leave-in-us?srsltid=AfmBOoqrin9Wgq0MX0fQN5uMFCNfH0fEimq0A3eiZeBmsnD8MPRL3vPuhttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/27/maternity-paid-leave-women-work-childbirth-ushttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7367791/#:~:text=Using%20an%20event%20study%20design,adoption%20of%20paid%20maternity%20leave. https://publichealthreviews.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40985-017-0067-2https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5137920/#:~:text=Diseases%20whose%20development%20has%20been,as%20depression%20and%20anxiety%20disordershttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8725649/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2732004/Disclaimer: The content in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is never a substitute for medical advice. If you’re struggling with with your mental or physical health, please work one on one with a health care provider.If you have heard yourself in our discussion today, and are looking for support, contact the free NEDIC helpline at 1-866-NEDIC-20 or go to eatingdisorderhope.com.🥤 Check out my 2-in-1 Plant Based Probiotic Protein Powder, neue theory at www.neuetheory.com or @neuetheory and use my promo code BITEBACK20 to get 20% off your order!Don’t forget to Please subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review! It really helps us out.✉️ SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTERS ⤵️Neue Theory newsletterAbbey's Kitchen newsletter🥞 FREE HUNGER CRUSHING COMBO™ E-BOOK!💪🏼 FREE PROTEIN 101 E-BOOK!📱 Follow me!Instagram: @abbeyskitchenTikTok: @abbeyskitchenYouTube: @AbbeysKitchenMy blog, Abbey’s Kitchen www.abbeyskitchen.comMy book, The Mindful Glow Cookbook affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3NoHtvfIf you liked this podcast, please like, follow, and leave a review with your thoughts and let me know who you want me to discuss next! We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

After more than 9 years leading the country, Justin Trudeau’s time in office is down to days. On Sunday the party will count the votes and announce a new Liberal leader, who will become the next Prime Minister when they are sworn in. Which of the four candidates will win, could there be a surprise finish, how will the transition of power work, and will this spark a snap federal election? Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Greg MacEachern, a principal at KAN Strategies to find out. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

The word of the week: tariffs.In what's been a confusing back and forth whether or not the tariffs against Canadian goods were on, we learned there was a last minute reprieve on tariffs in the auto sector.The issue has been in the news headlines for months, and now that it's here, what is the fallout?An expert says this situation is definitely unusual – and it’s not over yet.Host Kris McCusker speaks to Joy Nott is Partner, National Tax, Trade and Customs at KPMG Canada. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

It’s a preventable crisis – that’s the message from many public health officials when describing the recent measles outbreaks in parts of Canada and the United States. The highly contagious viral infection was considered eliminated in 1998 in Canada and in 2000 in the U.S., but a number of factors have contributed to its recent resurgence.Host Melanie Ng speaks with Sabina Vohra-Miller, @unambiguousscience, a Doctor of Public Health candidate and expert in clinical pharmacology and toxicology, about the mis/disinformation surrounding vaccinations and why this could be just the beginning. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

It’s been months since the federal government announced a $1.3 billion border security package in response to the Trump tariff threat.But the President continues to attack Canada over what he claims is the flow of drugs and illegal immigration into the U.S., leading to the tariffs, which are now in effect. Is the government doing enough to address illegal activity at the border? How big is the actual problem? Host David Smith speaks with Christian Leuprecht, an expert on security and international crime and distinguished professor at the Royal Military College of Canada, about Canada’s border and what will happen next. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

The Trudeau government has signed its first provincial deal to implement the first stage of its national pharmacare plan. The agreement with Manitoba comes just weeks before a possible federal election campaign, and amid threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to slap tariffs on pharmaceuticals. Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with federal Health Minister Mark Holland about whether or not more pharma deals can be signed before Canadians head to the polls, will the program survive after an election, and whether Canadians should brace for higher drug costs amid a possible trade war. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Doctors in Canada can’t move between provinces to practice medicine without going through cumbersome licensing requirements and a sea of government red tape.It’s one of the many inter-provincial trade barriers in focus because of the threat of US tariffs.The Canadian Medical Association says it's time to do away with this antiquated way of licensing doctors and make it one national system that covers all provinces and territories.Host David Smith speaks with Dr. Joss Reimer, President of the Canadian Medical Association. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

The four candidates in the Liberal leadership race are on the last leg of the campaign after going head to head in French and English debates earlier this week.The March 9th leadership date is fast approaching. It comes as the country sees a dramatic shift in voter support, with the Liberals vaulting ahead of the Conservatives for the first time in years.So did the debate move the needle of support, what are the candidates doing in these final days of the campaign, and will this surge in Liberal support last?To answer those questions, host Cormac Mac Sweeney is joined by Dan Arnold, Chief Strategy Officer at Pollara, and formerly a pollster for the prime minister and head of research and advertising at the PMO. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

It’s less than a week to go before U.S. President Donald Trump has promised to put a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods. After that happens, the Government of Canada will respond with tariffs of our own, and everything on which those tariffs apply will get more expensive.The fears are very real. There are concerns Canada will enter a recession, that the Canadian dollar will take a hit, and that hundreds of thousands of jobs could be on the line. Host David Smith speaks with University of Calgary economist Trevor Tombe about what it could mean for you and for the economy. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

The Government of British Columbia is overhauling its safer supply drug policy so that drug users will have to take their prescription opioids under the supervision of a pharmacist or health provider.The change comes after public outcry over mounting evidence of “diversion”, the practice of selling or trading government-provided drugs on the black market.This is the latest move from the David Eby government to backtrack on its drug policies, which have come under heavy scrutiny and political attack as overdose deaths continue to increase.Host David Smith speaks with Simon Fraser University addictions expert, Dr. Julian Somers, about what B.C. got wrong and whether safer supply programs have a future in Canada. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Canada is the only G-7 nation without a high speed rail line, but that might be about to change.Our federal government has unveiled plans for an ambitious project, which would link Toronto and Quebec City.But will it happen?Host Kris McCusker speaks to Lavagnon Ika, Professor of Project Management at the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa, about the potential challenges and the likelihood the project gets done. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

You want to save for your retirement - but where do you find the money? Head's up - the RRSP deadline is coming up on March 3, 2025. Host Mike Eppel is talking to an expert on why it's imperative to start saving for your retirement and how to make it less stressful. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

U.S. President Donald Trump has a plan to end the war in Ukraine. It's basically, cut off support, and capitulate to Vladimir Putin.It has been three years since Russia’s illegal invasion. Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have died defending their country.This week, the Trump administration cancelled future aid for Ukraine and set up peace talks with Russia that excluded Ukrainian officials. Host David Smith speaks with Russia expert Marcus Kolga about what will happen next at this critical juncture in the conflict. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

The videos and images of recent airplane crashes are hard to shake. For some, it has ignited a fear of flying – but is it warranted?The statistics say one thing, but our minds say another. So what can we do? Host Melanie Ng speaks with Dr. Ian Shulman, Psychologist and Clinical Director at Shift Cognitive Therapy - where even her subconscious kicks in, making an error right at the beginning of the episode, contrary to her notes! You can learn more about Dr. Shulman at https://shiftct.com/. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

It’s been an unusually bad start to 2025 for air travel accidents. Monday’s crash at Pearson International Airport that saw a Delta airlines flight come to rest upside down has a lot of people wondering: is commercial air travel safe? Host David Smith gets answers from aviation expert John Gradek with McGill University. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

There is a crisis facing Canada’s post-secondary education sector that no one is talking about.Now that the federal government has slashed the number of international student permits available in Canada, colleges and universities from coast to coast are facing huge budget shortfalls. Several of Canada’s best schools are cutting programs and laying off staff just to stay afloat. These institutions have no choice but to take drastic measures, or risk going bankrupt.Host David Smith speaks with Elizabeth Buckner, Associate Professor of Higher Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, about what’s at stake if things don’t change. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

On this special edition of the Big Story, we're shining a light on cold cases across Canada. The podcast, Tracking a Killer: the Cold Case files is hosted by Fil Martino and Madison Fitzpatrick. They recently released season 3 of the show so we're teaming up to try to help families find not only justice, but peace. 21-year-old Patrick Santos’ body was found in the backyard of his father’s Scarborough, Ontario home on September 17, 2006. His hands and feet were bound and tape was wrapped around his head. Police say he had been beaten and suffocated. His mother is looking for answers all these years later and still seeks justice for her son. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

The "buy Canada" movement remains strong in the wake of tariffs levied against Canada, with more being tariffs reportedly on the way. So how far would you go to buy Canadian? Host Mike Eppel speaks to retail analyst Bruce Winder about economic show of patriotism and whether or not it's sustainable in this economy. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

It sounds duller than watching paint dry, but an issue called "supply management" is one of the key factors in Donald Trump's tariff decision. Trump has criticized Canada’s protected agriculture industries for years, and now he’s been pointing to supply management in the dairy sector as one of the reasons for his tariff threats. What is the decades-old policy that manages how much dairy product is produced in Canada? And why does Trump care about it?Host David Smith gets a lesson in agriculture production and trade policy from The Food Professor, Sylvain Charlebois, Director of the Agrifood Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

President Trump's threats of massive tariffs on Canadian goods has sparked a lot of fear about what a trade war would mean for our country.Economists predict that the 25% tariffs on our goods would plunge the country into recession by the summer, but some communities will be hit harder than others.The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has now compiled a list of 41 cities across the country and rated just how vulnerable or cushioned they may be to tariffs from the U.S.Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Matthew Holmes, Executive Vice President and Chief of Public Policy at the Chamber about which cities will be hit hardest and which ones may fare better than others. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

A month ago, the federal Liberals were in the basement of Canadian politics, trailing the Conservatives by close to 30% in public opinion polls. But a month is a long time in politics, and the fortunes for the Liberal party have seen a stunning reversal in a short amount of time. Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Mount Royal University Political Scientist Duane Bratt, about how the Trump effect is having an impact on Canadian politics, how the Conservatives are pivoting to try and maintain their lead, and what this may mean for the timing of the next federal election. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

In the face of a possible trade war, Canadians are increasingly supportive of plans to reduce our reliance on the U.S. as a trading partner. That includes politically sensitive industries, like oil and gas and politically sensitive projects like pipelines.New national polling shows Canadians are increasingly open to reviving pipeline projects that were abandoned in the late-2010s. Yes, even in Quebec.But what about the environment and other concerns? Host David Smith speaks with Jon Roe, research associate with the Angus Reid Institute, about this latest shift in public opinion in response to the U.S. tariff threat. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

We're seeing a rise in Canadian pride generally only seen during the Olympics. The ‘Buy Canadian’ movement continues to gather steam – brought on by the threat of U.S. tariffs.Host Kris McCusker spoke to Dr. Joanne McNeish, Associate Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, about how the trend happened and why you need to be diligent when read when reading product labels. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Jeanne Beker's name is synonymous with all things fabulous and fashionable. But the last few years have brought in a different focus. Today, the author and TV personality has a new role that's far away from her glamorous life in fashion and entertainment:breast cancer survivor and patient advocate.Host Fil Martino speaks to Jeanne Beker about her journey and her outlook on the other side of her breast cancer battle. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Is anything making sense anymore in this economy? Between the ping-ponging markets, the on and off tariffs and the latest economic data, the week's been far from boring.To make sense of it all, host Mike Eppel speaks with Pedro Antunes, Chief Economist at the Conference Board of Canada. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Work, home. Work, home. For many, days go back and forth like a ping pong match. That’s why when we have the reprieve of something outside the cycle, like a regular coffee meet-up or a book club at a neighbour’s house, things just feel better. We transport to a place where we can relax and be ourselves. However, the importance of this physical space to our well-being is often underestimated. Host Melanie Ng speaks with Roxanne Francis, a psychotherapist, coach and consultant, about the importance of having a ‘third place’ and why our happiness depends on it. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

**WARNING: This episode discusses addition and thoughts of suicide. Please take care.** Going out for a beer, glass of wine, or cocktail? Experts are increasingly raising the alarm about the health impacts of alcohol, and calling for more government action to alert the public. One Senator in Canada is leading the charge for change, introducing two pieces of legislation that aim to treat alcoholic beverages the same as tobacco products, with warning labels and advertising bans. Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Senator Patrick Brazeau about his personal struggles with alcohol, his attempt to change federal rules, and whether the Trudeau government has shown any interest in cracking down. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

After a wild few days, the U.S. tariffs are on pause. Canada has avoided the measures, for now, but the threat still hangs over the country. The uncertainty has residents in Canada’s border cities on edge. In communities where thousands of people cross the Canada-US border to go to work each day, a trade war could mean economic devastation. In response to the crisis, mayors of border communities from coast to coast have come together to form the Border Mayors Alliance.Host David Smith speaks with Windsor, Ontario Mayor Drew Dilkens, Chair of the Border Mayors Alliance, about how the situation is already impacting people who live along the 49th parallel. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

In an extraordinary turn of events, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced late Monday that the U.S would be delaying tariffs against Canada for 30 days. The move from President Donald Trump comes after the Government of Canada committed an additional $200 million to fighting drug trafficking at the Canada-US border.Why did Trump change his mind at the last minute?Host David Smith speaks with political strategist Kate Harrison, Vice-Chair of Summa Strategies, about the politics surrounding Trump’s tariff threats and what may come next. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

**UPDATE** Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said proposed tariffs on Canadian goods will be paused for 30 days after he spoke with President Donald Trump on Monday afternoon.In a social media post, Trudeau said he outline Canada’s $1.3 billion border plan and also signed a new intelligence directive on organized crime and fentanyl.The Big Story will be covering the latest developments in the weeks to come. ==========================President Donald Trump has followed through on his threats. Tariffs against Canadian goods imported to the US will begin at 12:01pm on February 4th.Host David Smith breaks down what we know – and still don’t know – about this trade war with America. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Heading the polls for the very first time after becoming the age of majority used to be a badge of honour that Canadian youth would wear proudly – but has democracy gone out of style? Youth voter turnout has dropped about 7% since the snap election that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called in 2021 from the 2019 federal election, after another drop since the 2015 election.Are youth no longer interested in civic engagement or is this current digital era causing a lack of trust in Canada's democratic processes, and therefore keeping young folks from the polls?Host Maria Kestane talks to Executive Director of "Apathy is Boring", Samantha Reush, about why Gen Z feels disconnected from the ballot box, and how their approach to democracy will shape the future of Canadian politics to come. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

After months of speculation, Doug Ford has sent Ontarians to the polls early.The election campaign officially kicked off this week, with party leaders making their pitches to voters.Why now? What’s it got to do with Donald Trump? And U.S. Tariffs?Host David Smith speaks with two Ontario political insiders: Andrew Brander from Crestview Strategy, who was an advisor to the Ford Government, and Lindsay Maskell, a Liberal strategist and former advisor to Premier Dalton McGuinty. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

From door knocks to landline calls, online clicks to AI, someone always wants to know what you think. With election season on the minds of Ontarians and Canadians, are your opinions accurately being reflected in the public opinion polls you see splashed all over the headlines? Host Melanie Ng speaks with veteran pollster, political strategist and consultant, John Wright to talk methodology and why these polls aren’t going anywhere. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

DeepSeek took the stock market by storm this week, with the Chinese start-up causing a huge market meltdown on Monday. It has huge implications for the world of A.I, but what does it mean for Canada? Host Kris McCusker does a deep dive on the Chinese-based app with Graham Dobbs, Senior Economist, The Dais, at Toronto Metropolitan University. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

The Liberal leadership race lost a candidate over the weekend. Ottawa MP Chandra Arya has been kicked out of the race to replace Justin Trudeau as Liberal leader and as Prime Minister, however the party is keeping mum on the reasons for denying Arya a chance to be a candidate in this campaign. Host Cormac Mac Sweeney examines the move with Greg MacEachern of KAN Strategies, as well as membership challenges for the party, the endorsement battle, the Trump effect, and the possibility the new leader launches an election shortly after they take the helm. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky